Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/604881
CITIES OF THE ORIENT 19-DAY ITINERARY, CLASSIC TOUR Experience a mix of urban cities, ancient history, and tranquil landscapes. Tour the history and culture of Beijing and Xian; the natural beauty of Guilin and Yangshuo; and the dramatic scenery of the Yangtze River. End your journey in vibrant Hong Kong, the city where east meets west. DAY 1: DEPART THE U.S. Depart on your overnight flight from the U.S. to China. DAY 2: ARRIVE SHANGHAI Upon arrival in Shanghai, be met and transferred to your hotel. DAY 3: SHANGHAI Visit the peaceful Yu Gardens and the atmospheric alleys of Old Town before admiring magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the famous Bund. Follow the age-old silk production process at the Silk Museum, from the cultivation of silkworms up to creating the final piece. Take an evening cruise on the Huangpu River, then sample some traditional Shanghai cuisine. (B, L, D) DAY 4: SHANGHAI TO BEIJING Explore the Shanghai Museum, which houses over 120,000 pieces of bronze, coins, jade, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing. Dinner tonight includes the local delicacy, Peking duck. (B, L, D) DAY 5: BEIJING Stroll through Tiananmen Square to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, the largest collection of ancient buildings in China from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Next, visit the Temple of Heaven, where locals go every day to practice tai chi and socialize. (B, L, D) DAY 6: BEIJING Walk on the Great Wall to appreciate 2,000 years of historical significance while admiring the panoramic views. Stop by the exquisite Summer Palace, followed by a fascinating Chinese acrobatic show. (B, L, D) DAY 7: BEIJING TO XIAN Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital. This evening, dine on a delicious feast of Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. (B, L, D) DAY 8: XIAN Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20 th century, the Terracotta Warriors. Walk along the ancient city wall, one of the best preserved in China, and stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter, exploring the many narrow laneways of the interesting Islamic food markets. (B, L, D) Guilin (1N) Macau Air Road Boat Beijing (3N) Chongqing Shanghai (2N) Xian (2N) Wuhan Yangshuo (2N) Yichang 0 400 miles 0 400 km Hong Kong (3N) Yangtze River Cruise (4N) Inbound (1N) 22 | Cities of the Orient Lantau Island